Emperor Liang Cheng looked at the child, who had grown to be almost as tall as himself. In his memory, he still saw that small figure being carried out of the palace by a young eunuch on a rainy night. Emperor Liang Cheng had never forgotten that figure over the years. Perhaps sensing something, after leaving the palace gates, Xiao Yuan turned his head and looked back at the palace wall. It was because of this turn that Emperor Liang Cheng kept the scene of that day in his mind and made up his mind to cultivate Xiao Yuan into a capable person and then hand over the country to him.

Emperor Liang Cheng sighed softly and said, "Yuan'er, it was out of necessity to send you out of the palace back then. It was also because I wanted to cultivate you into a qualified monarch that I sent you to Ganzhou. Fortunately, so many years have passed and you have not disappointed your father's expectations."

Xiao Yuan smiled and said, "Father, I am very grateful to you for sending me to the Xu family so that I could study under Mr. Wu. I like my aunt Chen's family very much. I have learned a lot from being taught by Mr. Bai with my brother."

Thinking of the youngest child in the Xu family, Emperor Liang Cheng couldn't help but smile. Xiao Yuan's attendants often reported Xiao Yuan's affairs to Emperor Liang Cheng. From these few words, Emperor Liang Cheng could tell that Xu Bai was a person with a pure heart, a clever and quick-witted mind, and a love for research. He had made many useful objects. Thinking of what Xu Bai had said to Xiao Yuan, Emperor Liang Cheng felt that Xu Bai was a person of great talent. If he was used properly, his future achievements might be amazing.

For many years, Xu Bai had instilled in Xiao Yuan the idea that craftsmen should not be underestimated. The objects they made that could improve work efficiency might just lead to a revolution in memory. Throughout history, the development of history has been propelled forward by these kinds of changes. If the craftsmanship of Daliang is improved, and more tools that can improve work efficiency are made, more means of production can be produced, then Daliang's future will surely be prosperous and thriving.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yuan's eyes lit up. Emperor Liang Cheng looked at the child who had become somewhat excited for some reason and said, "Your father summoned you here today to discuss your marriage to the Crown Princess."

Upon hearing the name of the Crown Princess, Xiao Yuan's face immediately turned red. He was already a sixteen-year-old boy and understood matters of the world. He felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing that he was getting married.

Emperor Liang Cheng looked at Xiao Yuan's reaction with some curiosity and asked hesitantly, "Do you have someone you like?"

Xiao Yuan waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Father, no, no. In recent years, I have been studying, practicing martial arts, or accompanying my teacher to explore the local customs and culture. How could I have had time to look for someone I admire?"

Emperor Liang Cheng was slightly relieved and said earnestly, "Yuan'er, you will be succeeding your father as emperor in the future. To become a qualified emperor, you must not only do your duty well, but also maintain the balance between the court and the harem."

Thinking of the concubines in the palace now, Xiao Yuan felt a bit disgusted. He had grown up with the Xu family, and the five members of the Xu family loved each other. Xu Rao was handsome and powerful, but he was also very virtuous. Even when he was separated from his wife for many days, he did not want young women to serve him. He was now a breath of fresh air in the political circles of the capital. Of course, Chen Zhaoci was also someone that many high-ranking families in the capital envied and were jealous of.

Having witnessed countless couples who remained faithful to each other for life, Xiao Yuan felt uneasy at the thought of being surrounded by several women in the future. However, Emperor Liang Cheng was speaking enthusiastically. Wu Muyue was a good teacher who had taught Xiao Yuan very well, but since Xiao Yuan would become an emperor in the future, there were some things that only the current emperor could personally teach him. The harem was actually a reflection of the imperial court. The emperor's power sometimes required sacrifices to maintain balance. Therefore, how to make choices was what Xiao Yuan needed to learn most right now.

Emperor Liang Cheng knew in his heart that he wouldn't live for many more years, and that being able to use this limited time to train Xiao Yuan would be his victory.

Xiao Yuan understood all of this. Before entering the Eastern Palace, Xu Rao and Wu Muyue had a conversation with Xiao Yuan, explaining the situation in the palace in great detail. Marrying the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince's concubine was something Xiao Yuan had to face now, and it was something he had to face. So, no matter how unwilling he was, Xiao Yuan listened attentively to Emperor Liang Cheng's words.

Emperor Liang Cheng spoke for a while, during which he became thirsty. He picked up a teacup from the side of the imperial desk and took a few sips. The boiled water in the teacup had cooled down and was slightly icy. After drinking it, Emperor Liang Cheng swirled it on his tongue and swallowed it. He felt a refreshing sensation running from his throat down to his stomach.

Seeing that Emperor Liang Cheng had finished the entire teacup of water, Xiao Yuan smiled and said, "Father, let me pour you another cup."

Chen Wufu quickly took the teacup. A copper kettle sat on the small red clay stove in the west side room, and the water inside had already boiled. Chen Wufu poured half a cup, then added half a cup of boiled water that had cooled down and was placed in a porcelain kettle, and sent it to Emperor Liang Cheng.

The father and son talked until the second watch of the night. Chen Wufu dared to urge him several times before Emperor Liang Cheng finally let Xiao Yuan go back.

Xiao Yuan came out of the Imperial Study, wanting to return to the East Palace, but also wanting to see his mother. He was accompanied by two palace guards, and walked along the palace path towards the inner palace.

Consort Liu had already moved out of the Cold Palace and was now living in a palace next to the Jingchun Palace where the Empress lived. When Xiao Yuan arrived, Consort Liu had already retired for the night. When she heard the old nanny beside her say that Xiao Yuan had come, she quickly got up, put on her clothes, and came out. She saw Xiao Yuan sitting at the table. When he saw her coming, he quickly stood up.

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